Course Descriptions

SE521
Survey of Sustainable Architecture and Interior Design Historical Origins
The course examines the historical relationship between man's built environment and nature, and how specific building techniques, particularly in vernacular structures, were developed in response to local climatic conditions. Special attention is given to the evolving layouts and organization of interiors, methods of providing climate controls, and lighting. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE561
Environment Behavior Research: Concepts and Application – Segment I
The course explores the manner in which people interact with, and are affected by, their environments. Designers are charged with responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of those who use the spaces they design, and the course will examine how the work they do can assure more sustainable spaces. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE562
Ecology and Human Impact
This course enables students to ask the right questions and search for the answers so that the decisions they make that affect the state of the earth and its inhabitants are informed ones. Through the study of human ecology, students gain an understanding of humanity’s impact on the biosphere. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.

SE563
Chemistry for Interior Environments: Seminar
Students will develop an understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts through series of research projects, lectures, and case studies related to materials and practices used in sustainable interior environments. These examinations include an extensive study of sustainable/green chemistry practices and toxins commonly found in interior environments. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.

SE564
Environmental Behavior Research: Research Methods – Segment II
This course looks at the ways in which we can study human behavior in the designed environment. Students develop a toolbox of research approaches that can be used to examine design projects. We discuss observation, interviews, focus groups, and other scientific tools of experimentation as applied to real-world contexts. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.

SE571
Materials and Products for Sustainable Interior Environments
The course looks at the most significant attributes of materials and products that affect interior spaces. Students expand their scope of consideration from the interior to include the impacts on the regional and global environments, and on the society at large, through the fundamental concepts of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE581
Graduate Seminar: Segment I – Fundamentals
The Graduate Seminar functions as a research- and design-centered forum, which provides integration for all of the courses throughout the program. This first of the four segments introduces the principles of sustainable development and prepares incoming students to address the challenges of implementing these principles in the design of interior environments. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE582
Graduate Seminar: Segment II – Exploration
Segment II of the Graduate Seminar is designed to support students in their decision-making process relating to the topic of their thesis project. Through site visits and interactions with professionals who employ sustainable design principles in their practice, class participants will study sustainable strategies for different sectors of the industry. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE631
Sustainable Practice Today
The 21st century's volatile economy, rapidly developing technologies, and changing political climate all require the establishment of well-structured sustainable organization or professional practice. This course guides students through the development of professional tools based on their personal goals and ethics in order to develop a sustainable design practice. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE661
Universal Design and Ergonomics
Class participants study, analyze, and learn how to utilize the principles of Universal Design, physical anthropology, physiology, and psychology to fit or suit human measurements, to address characteristics relative to the specific function and use of space or the operation of equipment, and to address the needs of specific populations. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.

SE671
Harvesting Daylight
Daylight is an important component of sustainable design. This course consists of two distinct, interwoven parcels: the first addresses the physics and measurement of light along with the optical properties of materials and surfaces; the second addresses all of the aspects of daylight harvesting as both energized and non-energized components. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.

SE672
Integrated Environmental Systems: Air, Sound, Light
The course presents a comprehensive approach to the integrated design of the elements of indoor environmental quality. Taught by professionals specializing in indoor air, acoustics, and lighting, this course addresses complex and interconnected environmental system designs that minimize the use of natural resources, and provide for human safety, health and comfort. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE681
Graduate Seminar: Segment III – Analysis: Directed Research
The Graduate Seminar: Segment III supports students in the development of their thesis projects. It helps tailor tools for the particular application, and guides them through individual research process. Students identify an appropriate research methodology for the topic they selected, develop individualized tools, locate resources, and learn to organize and analyze information. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE682
Graduate Seminar: Segment IV – Future of Sustainable Interiors
The Graduate Seminar: Segment IV presents an opportunity for students to explore and discuss a variety of propositions for the future of sustainable interior environments. This student-driven forum provides conceptual continuity for the program graduates who will be taking on leadership roles as sustainable interior environment professionals and educators. 3 credits; 3 lecture hours.

SE691
Capstone: Applied Research
The course provides continuity in conceptual working methods, an opportunity for focusing and honing students' expertise, and the experience of working as a supportive collegial group that incorporates analytical feedback and shared resources. Students are evaluated on their ability to utilize methodologies and on their presentation skills. 1.5 credits; 1.5 lecture hours.